It is often said that travel is the one thing we can buy that makes us richer. At JWT Travel we couldn’t agree more so we have selected some of our favourite bucket list travel experiences to inspire your next dream holiday.
With so many new wonderful places to discover around the world, it is sometimes difficult to pick ‘just the one’, that’s why we love the concept of a bucket list. It is a great way to short list (or long list!) those very special places we wouldn’t like to miss. We hope you like our bucket list travel experiences selection:
CRUISE THE RIVER NILE ACROSS EGYPT
Top of our bucket list travel experiences is cruising the Nile River across Egypt, a once in a lifetime holiday, ideal for explorers at heart, history buffs and archaeology fans.
The longest and possibly most famous river in the World, the Nile River flows across Egypt on its way to the Mediterranean. It was on the banks of the Nile that the culture and civilization of Ancient Egypt developed and today is home to the most extraordinary archaeological sites and treasures of all times, including legendary temples and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing from Luxor you will be introduced to this incredible heritage and of course, you should combine it with a couple of days in Cairo to see the iconic pyramids of Giza.
The Nile is one of the many majestic waterways across the world that can be explored on a river cruise, other incredible destinations include the Mekong across Vietnam and Cambodia, the Sacred Ganges in India, in addition to the superb rivers of Europe.
If you haven’t cruised before, you might like to read our blog: Tips for first time cruisers
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THE WONDERS OF NORWAY
Spectacular is the best word to describe the landscapes of Norway with its unique fjord coastline carved by glaciers into stunning deep valleys with towering snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. There are over 1000 fjords along the coast of Western Norway, some listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a handful of them frequently visited by cruise ships.
For nature and wild life lovers and those who enjoy the outdoors, Norway is an absolute must-visit and there are many options to get you there from escorted tours to cruise holidays and expedition cruises.
At JWT Travel we have a superb Bergen and Norwegian Fjords Escorted Tour departing in May in addition to extraordinary cruise options into the Norwegian Fjords, including no-fly cruises from Belfast. Some other highlights of our escorted tour to Norway include a visit to the Njardarheimr Viking Village; a cruise through the beautiful Nærøyfjord; and The Flåm Railway experience, which runs through spectacular scenery of Western Norway, alongside the Rallar Road.
May and June are fantastic months to visit as the days are longer, the temperatures are pleasant but you won’t get the busy crowds of July.
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NO FLY FJORLAND CRUISE FROM BELFAST
WALK THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Pilgrims of all ages, nationalities and creeds have travelled the trails to Santiago de Compostela for many centuries, in search of forgiveness, solace, peace and sometimes just to find themselves.
The Camino de Santiago is a network of many trails stretching for thousands of miles across Europe but most modern-day pilgrims walk the last few hundred kms into Santiago. You don’t need to walk for weeks on end to tick the Camino off your bucket list travel experiences but let us tell you a secret: if you do the Camino, you will probably want to go back for more!
Walking the last stretch into Santiago de Compostela, generally the last 100kms, has become a popular practice, as it can be done in just a week. This is the distance required for pilgrims to receive their Compostela certificate in Santiago.
Joining a Camino guided tour is a great option if you have always wanted to ‘do the Camino’ but you’d like to share the experience with a group. Check out our Camino guided tours at JWT Travel, including our easy options. New in 2026, we have guided tours on the Camino Ingles, the traditional route for Irish pilgrims, and also the Camino to Fisterra and Muxia, once considered the end of the world!
MORE DETAILS: CAMINO GUIDED TOURS
AFRICAN SAFARI ADVENTURES
Admiring the beauty of Africa in person, particularly getting to see the ‘Big 5’ most iconic African animals roaming in their natural habitat is an experience many of us dream of since childhood. A trip in Africa is a truly memorable travel experience and at JWT Travel we have many options to make this travel dream come true:
You can combine a stay in Cape Town with a luxury river safari cruise on the Chobe river in the luxury of a river ship. Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population and one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in the world.
You can join an escorted tour of South Africa including a safari game drive, exploring Cape Town, travelling the stunning Garden Route and spotting the Big Five at Kariega Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape. In Cape Town, you will have many treasures to discover from iconic Table Mountain to Boulders Beach, and learning about the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.
Talk to our team about our many options.
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DISCOVER AFRICA SAFARI AND RIVER CRUISE
KENYA SAFARI AND BEACH LUXURY HOLIDAY
SOUTH AFRICA ESCORTED TOUR AND SAFARI
TURNING JAPANESE
The food delights of Osaka, Japan’s gourmet capital; the neon lights of Tokyo; the ancient charm of Nara and Kyoto with their countless temples and shrines… There is so much to explore, see and taste once you head to the land of the rising sun. Japan is an absolute treat for all the senses and a destination that never fails to wow visitors.
A fascinating place to visit for its culture, customs and traditions, it is particularly exciting if you are a foodie and fish in all shapes and forms is your thing. If Japan is high on your top places to visit, talk to our travel team to embark on an incredible Asian cruise or one of our escorted tours in partnership with Travel Department. Konnichiwa!
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HIGHLIGHTS OF JAPAN ESCORTED TOUR
TUNE INTO THE USA MUSIC CITIES
Nashville and Memphis are the USA’s most musical cities and pilgrimage destination for music fans who want to visit the place where music legends such as Elvis and Johny Cash lived and recorded their best tracks.
Known as “The Birthplace of Rock n Roll” Sun Studios in Memphis are also home to some of the all time greats of Blues, Soul and Country Music. In Graceland, Elvis fans can get up close and personal visiting the King’s home;
While country music fans will be delighted in Nashville Tennessee, the place to catch a Country Music show on the General Jackson Showboat or at the legendary Grand Ole Opry.
Our next USA Old Time Country Music tour takes place in September 2026.
MORE DETAILS: OLD TIME COUNTRY MUSIC TOUR
FOR CHRISMTAS LOVERS
For those who love Christmas, a trip to see Santa in Lapland and a trip to some of Europe’s most traditional Christmas Markets are two magical travel experiences.
Get to meet Santa Claus and Ms Claus at home in the Arctic and see the elves in action as they busy themselves with Christmas preparations. This is possibly the most magical place on Earth!
As cities and towns across Europe switch on their charm and turn into a winter wonderland, the spirit of Christmas takes over and we are transported to a land of elves, gingerbread and carols. Cologne is home to some of Germany’s prettiest and oldest Christmas Markets: Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom with the spectacular backdrop of Cologne Cathedral. Another favourite is ‘The House Elves’ Winter Fairytale Christmas Market, Heinzels WinterMarchen, dedicated to the house elves who take care of housework while we sleep, according to the locals!
Embark on a festive river cruise on the Rhine next Christmas or join a Christmas Markets Escorted Tour.
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CHRISTMAS MARKETS TOURS & CRUISES
Find more inspiration and bucket list travel experiences at: JWT Travel Tours or talk to our travel team about your dream holiday!
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